PR firm Edelman won the large Agency of the Year award for the third year in a row at the 2022 Awards for Excellence in Public Relations.

Hanover took home the smaller agency of the year gong.

The awards are hosted by the Public Relations Consultants Association Ireland (PRCA) and the Public Relations Institute of Ireland (PRII) and recognise best practice in Irish public relations, public affairs and internal communication in the public and private sectors.

Nicola Halloran from Teneo won Young Communication Professional of the Year and also collected a trophy for her work on the Best Digital PR campaign, a podcast by Chadwicks.

Halloran is associate director of digital strategy at the agency and also blogs about food as ‘The Wonky Spatula’. She has published a cookbook and launched an app focusing on healthy food.

In Association with

The Health Service Executive won two internalcommunication awards.

The Central Bank won the award for Best Corporate Communications for its work on the Mortgage Measures Framework Review which was conducted to ensure that the measures introduced in 2015 remained fit for purpose.

The 25 winners were selected from more than 150 entries. A fifth of the entries came from in-house communication teams including those working in the public sector, charities, and the civil service.

Chief executive Martina Byrne said: “The range of work shortlisted shows the contribution of the public relations profession to economic, social and cultural life in Ireland.”

PRCA chair Owen Cullen added: “The quality and diversity of this year’s awards show how agencies continue to evolve, developing new skills and finding different ways to connect with target audiences. Behind every successful brand and organisation is a trusted public relations agency.”

Padraig McKeon, president of the PRII, told attendees at the awards presentation that showcasing the value of professional communications and public relations is at the heart of the work of the institute.

“Days like today, where the true value of our work is showcased, are vital to the development and growth of what we do because they demonstrate our contribution to society, to the delivery of public service, and to success in business,” he commented.

EXCELLENCE IN PR WINNERS 2022

Public Affairs Campaign
Gibney Communications
Growing Media Ireland

Consumer Public Relations Campaign - Budget €20k or under
Gibney Communications
Dublin Port Company

Consumer Public Relations Campaign - Budget €20k to €50k
Legacy Communications
ALDI Ireland

Consumer Public Relations Campaign - Budget Over €50k
Sweartaker
Irish Distillers

Media Relations
Murray
The Digital Hub/Smart D8

Digital PR including content creation
Teneo Strategy Ireland
Chadwicks Group

Communications Campaign by a Charity
Legacy Communications
Pieta

Corporate Communication In Support of Organisational Values
The Reputations Agency
An Post

Healthcare Campaign
MKC Communications
Irish Pharmacy Union

Sponsorship - PR Budget €50k or under
Wilson Hartnell
AIB

Sponsorship - PR Budget over €50k
Teneo
Circle K

Public Relations Event
Winterfest at the Guinness Storehouse, Christmas 2021
Wilson Hartnell
Guinness Storehouse

Young Communication Professional
Nicola Halloran
Teneo Strategy Ireland

PRCA Agency of the Year - 1 to 10 employees
Winner: Hanover Highly Commended: Springboard Communications

PRCA Agency of the Year - 11 and over employees
Winner: Edelman Ireland Highly Commended: Legacy Communications

Photo: Joe Carmody (centre), CEO of Edelman, with Owen Cullen and Rachel Leonard. (Pic: Fennell)